No market is the same but there is one aspect of the housing market that is very similar no matter where you live in this country.

That is rental vacancies. It’s tight out there and there’s very little for tenants to pick and choose from.

Rental vacancies have been extremely low, we’re talking under 1 per cent, in Mackay for some time now.

The lack of available rentals in Mackay means that those who are renting are finding their rent goes up on a fairly regular basis, typically every six months unless the lease is longer than that.

And the picture is also bleak for those people who are moving to Mackay. There is very little available and it can be pretty stressful planning to move to a new city when there appears to be nothing available to rent.

Many of those people end up buying rather than going through the tried-and-true process of renting for six months, settling in and then buying something once you are established.

But while tenants in Mackay have been doing it tough for a while, it is interesting to see that the low vacancy rate is a national phenomenon.

Statistics put out recently by the property management software company propertyme, using information sourced from the Reserve Bank and SQM Research, found that Mackay is not the Lone Ranger, with rental vacancies around 1 per cent throughout the country.

This time last year, Sydney’s rental vacancies were at 2.3 per cent, now it is at 1.3 per cent. In the same 12-month period, Melbourne’s rental vacancies have dropped from 3.3 per cent to 1.2 per cent.

Brisbane is .8 per cent, Hobart is .7, Adelaide .5 and Perth .4 per cent. Of the capital cities, Canberra has the highest rental vacancies at 1.6 per cent, hardly a glut of empty rental properties.

So, no matter where you live, it is tough out there for tenants.

I am sorry if you are a tenant with no option but to keep renting because I know it is tough and doesn’t look like getting any easier. I know it doesn’t help in any way but the situation is the same pretty much wherever you live and not just a Mackay issue.

It is worth noting that there are still opportunities for some tenants, those who have a job and are able to get a deposit together to buy something cheap.

Units are still affordable. I recently sold a nice two-bedroom, well-presented unit in North Mackay for $200,000. With a 10 per cent deposit, your mortgage is less than you would be paying in rent for the same property.

I sold a two-bedroom unit in East Gordon St recently for $174,000. It needed a bit of a freshen-up, some new carpet and a coat of paint but that could be done cheaply, and the buyer ended up with a stake in the Mackay market and paying a mortgage much lower than the rent he would have been paying for the same unit.

I know this is not possible for everyone but a young person with a job and a 10 per cent deposit can break into the Mackay market by buying a unit, use that as a stepping stone and forget about paying rent.

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I pen this story as we are 12 months out from the Local Government elections, and I would like to encourage community members to consider putting their hand up to become an elected representative of Mackay Regional Council (MRC).

Over the past 19 years I have had the privilege to serve our community. Firstly, at Sarina Shire Council where I held positions of councillor, deputy mayor and mayor and then at MRC as councillor and deputy mayor.

Some of the most enjoyable parts of my role is assisting community members achieve their goals. Whether it is fixing a pothole, mowing a park, staging an event or art exhibition, or attending a community meeting. When it all comes together you can assist people to make this happen and that’s a great outcome.

One of the most memorable moments that will stay with me is when as mayor I had the pleasure of performing the citizenship ceremony for the very first time and attending many other citizenship ceremonies over the years. Announcing the Australia Day recipients’ and attending the awards certainly highlights what great people we have in our community.

Internally participating in policy development that enhances our customer service and our service delivery is also a rewarding part of the role. Contributing to the development of the  corporate plan and the strategies that enable goals to be achieved is an especially important part of a councillor’s role. Working with all sectors of our community to help deliver our region’s vision and enabling the region to grow into the best region in Australia to live, work and play.

I have been extremely fortunate to be involved in projects such as the Sarina Sugar Shed, Waterfront redevelopment, relocation of the Visitor Information Centre, the Northern Beaches Community Hub and the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail.

The role also comes with challenges and one of the hardest challenges to overcome is making sure you don’t let your own personal bias detract you from good decision making. Listening to the community and not interrupting people when they are trying to explain to you their issue is also especially important.

If you would like to know more I would encourage you to reach out to your local representatives both current and previous who would be keen to share their insights into the role. Now is the time to start to consider nominating.

Cr Karen May

Deputy Mayor

Mackay Regional Council

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But, I will tell you why it feels different.

My Dad was meant to be up from Sydney this week to see the grandkids, but after multiple visits to his doctor, it was agreed that he shouldn’t travel up to the tropics because it’ll be too warm for him and his ticker.

Whilst it’s disappointing that he won’t be here, I get the reasons why.

I won’t bring up the fact that he lived in Mackay for the best part of 30 years, so you’d think his body knew how ‘warm’ Mackay can be in March, but who am I to judge right? I’m not a doctor, but I shook hands once with someone who said they were.

That was just after my full physical exam too by the way. That reminds me, I never did get to see their certificate saying they were a doctor. Hmmm. Now I’m a little concerned after the sheer number of exams over a three-week period in Paget.

Word of warning. Check before you take off your shirt.

Anyway, back to Dad. He’s not coming up until May now, which by my weather app, should be a little cooler for his blessed heart.

What I did want to tell you about his trip, and this is something that he doesn’t know yet, I’ve organised a few extra outings that I hope he will enjoy, and I want you to have a look and see what you think.

The Flying Fox Experience in Finch Hatton. Strapping my Dad into a harness and flying through the tree tops and a nice speed should be good right? I thought so. How about driving fast at Palmyra in a motorised kart? What could go wrong with an 83-year-old body? Nothing. Of course.

The other thing I want to do with Dad when he comes up in May is twofold. Walk up High Street at dawn to see the view! He would love it I reckon. The other part would be to also walk up Mount Blackwood and see the sunrise from the transmitter towers. That’s a special experience also, so I hope he loves me for getting it done for him.

With all these activities lined up, now all I need is his blessing when he gets here.

If he says no to all of them, well I guess it’ll be off to the Creperie for dinner and my 55th birthday cake candles to blow out.

It is a win-win situation, I think.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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The Walkerston Rotary club has a very reliable, but also quite exasperating, weather forecasting system.

Invariably, when a kerbside numbering day is scheduled, the heavens decide that that would be a perfect day to dump some of that wet stuff on the Walkerston area.

Quite a few years ago, the club undertook the project of rural numbering in the surrounding area of Walkerston.

This was a Mackay Regional Council project with the different Mackay district areas ‘sub-contracted’ to non-profit organisations.

With the knowledge of this project and how it assisted ambulances and other such services to quickly find an address, the club embarked on its next community service of numbering all the residences in the immediate Walkerston township.

And so, the club's Community Kerbside Numbering Project began.

There are approximately 1,500 residences in Walkerston so it was thought the numbering should possibly take around two years to complete.

Well, that didn’t happen – with the weather gods totally against the club, and then also the nuisance arrival of that nasty worldwide pandemic, the project is just about nearing completion now in the year of 2023.

Saturday March 18 has been scheduled in the club calendar for some serious kerbside numbering activity … unless, of course, it rains.

Kerbside Numbering of Walkerston is a community project fully funded by the club, getting the club members out and about on the streets of their town working with, and for, the local community.

Contributed by Bente McDonald, Walkerston Rotary

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Walkerston Rotary undertook a kerbside numbering project a few years ago which is soon to be complete

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Mackay seniors will be treated to live music, complimentary tea and coffee, and a share in over 20 lucky door prizes when they attend the upcoming Morning Melodies performance, Blue Bayou, on Friday 24 March at the MECC.

To celebrate Easter, the MECC are giving away 19 chocolate themed baskets as lucky door prizes, in addition to the lucky door prizes donated by Walkerston Guardian Pharmacy and Whitsunday Biscuit Factory.

Manager of MECC & Events Andrew Bobeldyk said Easter basket giveaways are an annual inclusion in the MECC’s program.

“Each year we gift an Easter basket to one lucky audience member. Usually, the prize is offered through our Facebook page via a ‘like’ and ‘share’ competition,” Mr Bobeldyk said.

“This year the team are making our Morning Melodies performance that little bit sweeter, by adding these chocolate giveaways to the lucky door prize list,” he continued.

The lucky door prizes will be drawn following the performance of Blue Bayou, a tribute of great country-pop artists, including songs by Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash.

“This show will transport audiences back to the golden age of country-pop music. Singalong to the music heard on the radio in the 60s and 70s.”

Audiences are reminded of the complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits before the show, with thanks to sponsor, the Friends of the MECC. With tickets starting at just $15 each, the Friends of the MECC’s Morning Melodies is an affordable and enjoyable day out for Mackay locals.

What: The Friends of the MECC’s Morning Melodies Blue Bayou

When: Friday 24 March | 11am

Where: MECC Plenary Halls

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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Sarah Readman and Teagan Smith have been busy wrapping lucky door prizes, in preparation for the next Morning Melodies performance at the MECC

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Nestled at the lower end of Fadden Street lies a way of life that's truly unique - living "on the creek"! For generations, the children of Fadden Street have spent countless hours near or in the creek, waiting in anticipation for the inevitable overflow that comes after a good spell of rain. There was never a dull moment, with activities ranging from constructing makeshift boats out of corrugated iron or rafts from bamboo branches found along the creek bank, to engaging in endless "wars" fought in boats or bamboo forts.

Though times have changed and access to the creek is now limited by property fences, the memories of those bygone days still linger. Backyards were once combined to create sprawling park-size spaces perfect for football or cricket games and camping in tents with fires by the creek - it was truly the life!

Fadden Street has weathered its fair share of "proper wet seasons," with some particularly devastating floods from the "Scrubby Creek" - known to locals and beyond as Baker's Creek due to its passage through Scrubby/Walkerston. Floods in 1951, 1979, 2008, and 2017 left their mark on the homes lining the creek's banks. The 2008 flood, in particular, was caused by a heavy downpour of over 600mm in just six hours in the Baker's Creek catchment area, causing the water to rise at an astonishing pace.

Despite the creek's destructive capacity, causing massive, fast-flowing rivers that sweep away everything in their path as they rush to the ocean, it's equally as beautiful in its serene state. It's teeming with wildlife and features cool, clean water that babbles like a brook, offering a calming and soothing effect.

For the residents of Fadden Street, living alongside the remarkable "Scrubby Creek" is a way of life like no other, rich in history, memories, and an appreciation for the power and beauty of nature.

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1984 flooding over the street

23 March, 2017 flooding

1948 St Andrew's Church to the left of the picture, houses were built there in 1974. Photos supplied: Bente McDonald

Fadden Street 1951, viewed from top end at Albion Hotel. At the top corner of the image is the lacework railing of the hotel. Albion burnt down in the 1960s and was replaced with O'Shea's Motel

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A partnership between two of Mackay’s most recognisable brands will take off once again to help grow the next generation of sporting heroes while putting the region on the map.

Mackay Airport has pledged its continued major sponsorship of the Mackay Cutters rugby league club ahead of what is set to be a memorable 2023 season.

The Cutters also revealed their 2023 home jersey, a throwback design modelled on their premiership 2013 colours, worn by some of the game’s most respected and successful players including Michael Morgan and Jason Taumalolo.

With the Mackay Cutters’ playing 11 of their 20 2023 Hostplus Cup round matches away from Mackay, Head Coach Michael Comerford said a partnership with Mackay Airport is a fitting one.

“We spend a fair bit of time (at the airport),” he laughed.

“I think it’s a show of faith to have such a big organisation to back the Cutters and support them year on year.

“We’re a club that’s built on the contribution of the sponsors and community organisations so it’s invaluable for us … to continue to grow.”

Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said the partnership with the Cutters made sense from both a community and business perspective.

“The Mackay community are invested in the Cutters’ success and the atmosphere at the game is incredible,” he said.

“The Cutters’ reach goes well beyond Mackay and their games help to promote travel to Mackay and further put the region on the map.

“Supporting community clubs at a grassroots level is a long-term investment in our town and future role models.”

Mackay Cutters Chief Executive Officer Mitch Cook said values such as community and inclusivity were integral to the club.

“We are very grateful for the support of our community; it really is second to none,” he said.

“Having the backing of well-known corporate partners like Mackay Airport means it’s also a priority for us to reinvest in our town and give back at every opportunity.

“For us, it’s more than us just turning up at games, we want to be involved.

“We are dedicated to our players’ growth, not only on the field, but also toward their education, job opportunities and as serving members of the community.”

2023 is a big year for the Mackay Cutters, marking 15 years since the club entered the Queensland competition and 10 since their first and only premiership.

The Cutters have commemorated this by launching their 2023 home jersey, a throwback to their 2013 premiership-winning strip.

“We have been acknowledging the past with some history sessions with the playing group to try and get them to understand what’s come before them,” said Mr Comerford.

But before the Cutters get the chance to wear their new jersey in front of a home crowd, they face Wynnum-Manly Seagulls at Wynnum to kick off the 2023 Hostplus Cup and BMD Premiership seasons.

“We’re looking good,” said Hostplus Cup prop Hiale Roycroft.

“Our focus, going into Wynnum, knowing that they’ve got a big pack, we’ve got to try and bash that, so we’ve had a good review session to get an idea going into round one.”

Ahead of the Cutters first BMD Premiership season, centre Jasmine Peters said she’s as excited as the rest of the community.

“This is something that we really take pride in,” Ms Peters said.

“We’re just going to focus on communication and connection.

“We’re looking really good, we’re looking in form, and I just can’t wait to get there as a team.”

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Mackay Airport has continued its support of the Mackay Cutters for the 2023 season. Photo supplied

The Mackay Cutters unveiled their 2023 home jersey earlier this week, a tribute to the 2013 premiership season. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Our stunning coastal paradise is brimming with secret spots, and if you’re kind enough to share yours with me, I’d love to hear about it!

I’m one week away from maternity leave with my first-born expected to arrive in the next fortnight, and my parents are travelling from New Zealand to spend three months with me and their first grandchild. They have never holidayed in Queensland before, the only time my Dad touched down in the Sunshine State was probably more than 40 years ago when he was in the Air Force, briefly stopping in Townsville enroute to a deployment in the Pacific.

I’ve arranged some must-do’s on the Gold Coast for when they arrive today, the Sky Deck observatory for lunch and a day exploring the wildlife at Currumbin, but with three months in Mackay, I want them to experience all that our surrounding regions have to offer.

My Mum has trouble with mobility these days so big walks are out of the question, but I know of some locations easily accessible where we can still see the wallabies on the beach and a platypus or two in Eungella. To beat the heat of this sticky start to Autumn, trips to the Bluewater Lagoon will be a given. Living in Dysart for a couple of years before moving to Mackay introduced me to some of the rugged coalfields beauty and I know of a back road between Nebo and Dysart where I can see a plethora of kangaroos.

Here in Mackay, it’s the little things I’m interested in sharing. Shoal Point for its sunset and the Black Cockatoos, I’ve noticed a lot of Black Cockatoos in the big trees near Pioneer State High School too. The lorikeets screeching in the palm trees on Wood Street at dusk as you enjoy a pre-dinner drink. People who grew up here may not think that’s interesting, but when you come from a country that doesn’t have that, it’s quite a buzz! And of course, love them or hate them, the flying foxes. At dusk I’ve noticed the mangroves beside the Showgrounds are home to hundreds.

What is special about Mackay to you and your family?

If you’re happy to share your secret spot, please email me at amanda@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

Amanda

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What the Federal Government should be doing to combat the cost of living or rising interest rates?

What an exhausting question!

The Federal Government, or any level of Government cannot be responsible for what the Individual can do to combat the cost of living and rising interest rates.

The Individual can examine what moves them forward and puts them into the best position for future advancement.  

Only the Individual can affect the change by identifying present and future income streams and current and past spending, to live within one's means.

It is hard, and it's never been easy, to actually put in different effort, and sustain that effort to change and develop better habits where the onus is on the Individual to identify and creatively solve one's own problems!

Pressure with cost of living, fluctuating interest rates, other economic dramas, are perennial.

No Government anywhere can stop the turbulence.

Making ends meet does improve one's lifestyle, relationships and level of gratitude.  

(Sender asked name not to be printed).

This letter to the editor was in response to the Editor’s Note published 24 February, titled ‘The Squeeze Gets Tighter’.

Do you have a letter to the editor?

Send your letter to amanda@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

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The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) has been a lifeline for local artists, creatives, and performers in the region for years, providing much-needed funding and support for their projects and initiatives.

It is a major source of funding available to artists, creatives, and performers in local areas. The RADF Committee and council are constantly refining the program to better meet the needs of the community.

If you have participated in an RADF project, Mackay Regional Council would appreciate your feedback through this survey: http://surl.li/fgxao

RADF fund is designed to:

• Promote the value and significance of arts

• Support diverse and inclusive communities through culture and heritage

• Allow local councils to customize RADF programs to match their community's needs

• Be delivered as a partnership between Arts Queensland, a Queensland government agency, and eligible local councils throughout the state.

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A local Vietnam veteran has reflected on the incident that ended his campaign 53 years after the explosion.

Les Palmer was wounded in Vietnam on February 28, 1970, at the age of 22, when his battalion was involved in a landmine explosion.

“It was up in what they call the long, high mountains in South Vietnam,” Les said.

“It was notorious for the enemy hiding up in the mountains, they had boulders they could hide under and camps and kitchens and hospitals up in these mountains.

“The hierarchy said we’d better go and stir them up so instead of us stirring them up, they stirred us up.”

The landmine was buried at ground level with three prongs sticking out of the ground.

“When you stand on it, it jumps a metre in the air and goes bang,” Les said.

Two mines exploded, killing nine soldiers and wounding 16, one of which was Les, suffering multiple fragment wounds and nerve damage resulting in foot drop.

Les likes to commemorate the occasion each year, going out to dinner last week with his wife of 53 years, Sue.

“Even though my mates know me as a Vietnam vet, a lot of them don’t know the story behind how I got hurt and why I’m wounded,” he said.

Les had married Sue one month before he left for Vietnam on the HMAS Sydney aircraft carrier and four months before the explosion.

Mackay born and bred, Les returned to north Queensland and worked in service stations, cane carting and Queensland Rail before retiring in 1999.

He said he has no spare time despite being retired, with plenty of volunteer work to keep him busy for Legacy, Vietnam Veterans Association, Mackay Veterans Support Group and the RSL Mackay Sub Branch.

He plans to travel to Melbourne for ANZAC Day to celebrate a national reunion of his battalion, 8RAR.

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Les Palmer was wounded in Vietnam 53 years ago. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) have concluded a 14-month investigation into a fatal light plane crash that occurred on December 24, 2021, at Ball Bay Beach. According to the police, the passenger, an 83-year-old man, lost his life when the plane crashed on the beach. Meanwhile, the pilot, a 66-year-old Halliday Bay man, was rushed to the Mackay Base Hospital, treated, and discharged.

On February 28 2023, detectives and CASA investigators executed a search warrant at a Halliday Bay Road, Halliday Bay residence. During the search, they arrested a Halliday Bay man and charged him with manslaughter, flying an aircraft without a license, carrying out maintenance without authorization, and flying without satisfying safety requirements. Police allege the pilot, Peter McDougall, was unlicensed and had failed to carry out routine maintenance on his aircraft since 2015.

The 83-year-old man, Gerry Miltenburg, died at the scene of the crash which was meant to be a leisure flight to sightsee nearby islands.

The accused appeared before the Mackay Magistrates Court on March 1.

The charges against the Halliday Bay man stem from the December 2021 light plane crash that resulted in the death of the passenger. The investigation, which lasted for over a year, was carried out jointly by the Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The crash was tragic and shook the local community. The investigators' efforts were aimed at ensuring that justice is served and that the cause of the accident is fully understood.

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RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked to the light plane crash on Ball Bay Beach on December 24, 2021. Photos supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

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THEFT OF QUAD-BIKE, ETON

Between 5:00pm on March 1 and 7:00am on March 4 a quad bike has been stolen from an open shed at a property on Homebush Road in Sandiford (Eton).

The stolen vehicle is described as a red coloured 2006 model Honda 350 Quad-bike, spray tank fitted and other custom made accessories are visible.

Anyone who might have information about the current location of the stolen quad bike or the actual offence itself is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible. Police report number QP2300382930.

RURAL VIEW DRINK DRIVER CAUGHT IN EARLY MORNING

A 48-year-old male resident of Mount Pleasant has been arrested and charged with a drink driving offence after an alleged police intercept at 5:45am on March 4 on the Mackay Bucasia Road in Rural View.

It's further alleged that following the positive roadside breath test the 48-year-old male was taken to the Mackay police station for further testing. His breath alcohol concentration was confirmed as being .171%.

He was arrested and charged with driving while under the influence of liquor and will appear in the Mackay Magistrates Court on March 22 to have the matter heard.

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Mackay Regional Council is seeking nominations for its Sustainability Advisory Committee.

The purpose of the committee is to discuss and provide information and advice to council on sustainability initiatives.

This includes current and emerging sustainability matters, as well as updates on sustainability initiatives being undertaken by committee members’ organisations.

Council is seeking nominations from anyone with a demonstrated interest in the sustainability of council operations and broader sustainable development issues pertaining to the Mackay region.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Climate change and resilience

• Natural resource management

• Energy management

• Transport

• Water management

• Circular economy

• Community partnerships/programs

The Sustainability Advisory Committee will consist of three councillors, including councillors acting as chair and deputy chair, as appointed by Mayor Greg Williamson.

Council wants to appoint a diverse committee that represents key stakeholders’ interest. It is seeking 12 community representatives to join the committee.

The positions are voluntary, and anyone interested in nominating should live in the Mackay region.

Nominations opened last Friday, March 3, and close March 31 at 5pm. The first meeting of the new committee is scheduled for May 12.

View the terms of reference and nominate online via council’s website.

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Whitsunday Anglican School (WAS) has been ranked as Queensland’s top performing regional school and one of the best schools in the State based on 2022 NAPLAN results.

Proudly representing the regions, WAS was the only regional school in Queensland to make the State’s Top 10 for Secondary.

Senior students ranked an incredible 4th in Queensland, with all other schools in the Top 10 based in Brisbane.

Primary results were also high, with Junior students from WAS the only ones north of the Sunshine Coast to make the Top 50.

WAS Principal Andrew Wheaton said congratulations must go to teachers, students and the wider school community.

“These remarkable results are testament to our dedicated and gifted teachers, and strong academic and pastoral leadership over many years,” he said.

“They are also a reflection of our highly supportive wider parent community!

“It is truly inspiring to be a part of a team that achieves such incredible outcomes for our students.

“While NAPLAN is just one component of the learning journey, at Whitsunday Anglican School, we challenge and support our students to be the best they can be, in a supportive environment that allows them to thrive.”

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Whitsunday Anglican School achieved the best NAPLAN results for any regional Queensland school. Photo supplied